CONTRACT: Defender extends stay

Defender Chris Chantler has extended his stay at Brunton Park today by putting pen-to-paper on a deal which takes him through to the summer of 2014.

Chantler, 22, initially joined United on-loan from Premier League giants Manchester City midway through November 2011 having spent two weeks training with the club.

The Cumbrians then moved quickly to make the deal permanent at the beginning of January 2012 when he signed an 18-month contract.

He went on to make the left back slot his own at the beginning of this season until an ankle injury ruled him out of the action midway through January. He has made 44 appearances in total for United with 31 of those coming during this campaign.

Manager Greg Abbott said: "We know all about Chris and what he can do, and we think he is one who is only going to get better and better.

"He has been really unfortunate with the injury but, in terms of the contract offer, it was never going to make any difference at all. We like him and he likes it here, and he's definitely part of the plans as we go forward.

"He can now concentrate on getting himself fit ahead of next season knowing that this has been done and dusted."

We'll have reaction from Chris Chantler to his new contract early next week.